Monday, November 23, 2009

Well, I guess you could say I'm a little past overdue. Seems to be the trend.Where to begin...how bout mid- October and the Bucktown 5K. This was a pretty big day for a number of amputees that are patients with me at Scheck and Siress. My boss Dave started this group a few years back called the Blade Runners. Basically, it's a bunch of his patients that get together once a month to run together around a track. We met throughout the summer with the goal of doing a 5K together and the Bucktown 5K was it. We had about 20 total participants with 7 amputees and it was awesome. We had a whole tent, t-shirts, banners and definately raised some amputee awareness that just becasue you're missing a leg doesn't mean you can't get out and run. For a few people it was their very first 5K ever and the goal was to make it to the finish line. I'm happy to report that everybody who crossed the starting line, made it to the finish and it was quite the accomplishment for all of us. My goal was under 30 min but I made it through at 32:00. It was still an improvement so I was happy but still shooting for the 30 min mark.I've been running a significant amount lately and really really enjoy it. So much that at the annual half- ironman Challenged Athletes Foundation triathlon in Oct I swam the 1.2 miles, did a little on the stationary bike and then set off for a 13 mile run. It was my longest attempted run by 5 miles and I'm happy to say I crossed the finish line at all. After running in Chicago I wasn't too prepared for those San Diego hills and it was a bit rough. I ended up having to walk the last bit but I made it to the finish line and can really only improve from there. The event as usual, was a hit. It ranks up there with my favorite weekend of the year and this year there were 190 Challenged athletes competing in the event. Quite inspirational.

To continue with the running bit, I finally ran a 5K fast enough to put me under the 30 min mark, a goal I've had for the past few months. A solid 29:50 at the Veterun 5K to celebrate Veterans Day. It was tough, real tough near the end, but that put me at an 8 minute 5K improvement since April and I am pretty pumped about it. I'll go for the 29 min mark next..

Enough about the running... In other exciting news, the documentary Warrior Champions (www.warriorchampions.com) premiered in Austin, TX and then went onto the world theatrical premier in Little Rock. The film is extremely well done and I am so honored to be a part of it. I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of seeing myself on the big screen. An admitted self- critic I think I look a bit dorky but hopefully others don't see it that way. The film is planning on being shown in 10 to 15 different cities around the nation but the places and dates are to be determined. There is always a DVD option but I can keep you all posted on the cities it's in. I urge you all to see it. It's a phenomenal film that will leave you inspired. I really am honored to be a part of it.

Now for the best news ever. WE GOT A DOG. Jake, a black lab/ golden retriever mix who has quickly become part of our family. I got Jake through an organization called VetDogs based out of NY. They give service/ companion dogs to Wounded veterans and I was lucky to be paired with Jake. I went to NY for a 4 day class and then a trainer came here to Chicago and worked with Jake and I here. Jake goes everywhere I do, work, the pool, the gym, on planes (yes, he sits at my feet) and anywhere else. He can fetch me my crutches if need be and is the best companion ever. Minus my husband of course..:) Speaking of, it was love at first sight for he and Dick. I can't believe we waited so long to get a dog. They are always happy to see you, and can put a smile on anyone's face. He is just awesome. Pure awesomeness.

I've been working quite a bit when I'm here in town. I am really enjoying it and have some wonderful patients. I am finally feeling like I know how to do a few things on my own and am loving it. Seeing people get back on their feet and get their lives back is incredibly rewarding. Not to mention I have the greatest employer and boss EVER.

Other than the above, I've done a few speaking engagements, a few other smaller races and am looking forward to being home for a little bit.Can't wait for our fried turkey this Thursday. If you've never try it, try it and you'll never go back. It's delicious.

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About Me

I am a 34 year old Iraq War Veteran, an above
the knee amputee on my left side, a 2008 Paralympian, a 3x Paratriathlon World Champion, co-founder of Dare2tri Paratriathlon club, a recent Ironman and a new mom! I love the USA and all that it stands for.
@Mstockwell01